Vista Won't Boot on HP Pavilion after installing new MotherBoard.

[Musicman50]

Hi,
I have an HP Pavilion PC with Vista Home Premium installed on it.
The Motherboard went bad just out of warranty so I purchased a new Gigabyte
Motherboard with an almost identical chipset as the old.
However it is different enough that after a system restore, Vista hangs
about halfway and says to call HP support as the there has been
a hardware change (Code Purple).

HP did not include a Vista CD Install disk, so I have to use the HP system
restore image on the hidden partition.

I Hit F6 and tried safe mode, and all other options I see on the menu but
evidently the Motherboard are different enough that the standard
Evidently the HP Restore Image does not provide generic drivers for the new
MB so the system hangs at just before it get to the login screen.

Is there any way to make this work?

If not will HP allow me to get a copy of Vista Home Premium , I have the
Product code and all, and I am the legal registered owner.

Hope there is a workaround.

PS: I do have a copy of a Vista Business CD Install disk I could use, but I
want to use the Home premium edition that came with the HP computer.

Any Ideas much appreciated..

Phil

 

[Beck]

Hi,
I have an HP Pavilion PC with Vista Home Premium installed on it.
The Motherboard went bad just out of warranty so I purchased a new
Gigabyte Motherboard with an almost identical chipset as the old.
However it is different enough that after a system restore, Vista hangs
about halfway and says to call HP support as the there has been
a hardware change (Code Purple).

HP did not include a Vista CD Install disk, so I have to use the HP system
restore image on the hidden partition.

I Hit F6 and tried safe mode, and all other options I see on the menu but
evidently the Motherboard are different enough that the standard
Evidently the HP Restore Image does not provide generic drivers for the
new MB so the system hangs at just before it get to the login screen.

Is there any way to make this work?

If not will HP allow me to get a copy of Vista Home Premium , I have the
Product code and all, and I am the legal registered owner.

Hope there is a workaround.

PS: I do have a copy of a Vista Business CD Install disk I could use, but
I want to use the Home premium edition that came with the HP computer.

Any Ideas much appreciated..

Back with old XP if you used any XP disc you could use your own product key
and it would install okay. But with Vista things have changed. Whilst a
vista disc contains all versions of Vista, I don't think they work with OEM
versions.
I tried a normal Vista disc with my OEM key and it did not work. You could
try it though although my guess is it will stall at the product key part.
However you could leave the product key blank and continue the install and
still use it and get yourself up and running until you can find a resolution
to the problem. I think it will run for 2 months?

I doubt HP will be able to help you much. The discs they send out are disc
images which will be the same as the image on your hidden partition.

Have you tried contacting HP? They may know of a fix to help you. This
might involve a bios update or something so your motherboard is accepted.

 

[Nick Goetz]

Hi,
I have an HP Pavilion PC with Vista Home Premium installed on it.
The Motherboard went bad just out of warranty so I purchased a new
Gigabyte Motherboard with an almost identical chipset as the old.
However it is different enough that after a system restore, Vista
hangs about halfway and says to call HP support as the there has been
a hardware change (Code Purple).

HP did not include a Vista CD Install disk, so I have to use the HP
system restore image on the hidden partition.

I Hit F6 and tried safe mode, and all other options I see on the menu
but evidently the Motherboard are different enough that the standard
Evidently the HP Restore Image does not provide generic drivers for
the new MB so the system hangs at just before it get to the login
screen.

Is there any way to make this work?

If not will HP allow me to get a copy of Vista Home Premium , I have
the Product code and all, and I am the legal registered owner.

Hope there is a workaround.

PS: I do have a copy of a Vista Business CD Install disk I could use,
but I want to use the Home premium edition that came with the HP
computer.

Any Ideas much appreciated..

Phil

Hi Phil:

You can use the "HP" installation key that should be attached to the
computer case. You will need to activate by phone.

Borrow a copy of the Vista installation disk.

Choose Home Premium (the installation key will work only on the same
version of Vista)

Wipe the drive and do a "clean" install (remember to back up personal
files etc. first).

Use the motherboard manufcturer's disk and install the drivers.

When you try to activate using the internet, you will be refused
activation and provided with a phone number.

The "auto" activation by phone will probably also fail (this stage is
usually successfull with Acer systems).

You will then be redirected to a "live" tech who will complete the
activation proceedure with you.

I have used the above proceedure on both laptops and desktops from HP,
Acer, Dell etc.

Nick Goetz

 

[Richard G. Harper]

The short answer is, "No".

When the motherboard died and you replaced it, you voided the license that
came with your HP computer. Since HP didn't make the replacement
motherboard they have no interest nor requirement to make it work for you.
They won't give you a plain-Jane Vista disc. So for practical purposes,
your choices would either be to get an approved replacement part or buy a
retail copy of Vista.

 

[Mike Brannigan]

Hi,
I have an HP Pavilion PC with Vista Home Premium installed on it.
The Motherboard went bad just out of warranty so I purchased a new
Gigabyte Motherboard with an almost identical chipset as the old.
However it is different enough that after a system restore, Vista hangs
about halfway and says to call HP support as the there has been
a hardware change (Code Purple).

HP did not include a Vista CD Install disk, so I have to use the HP system
restore image on the hidden partition.

I Hit F6 and tried safe mode, and all other options I see on the menu but
evidently the Motherboard are different enough that the standard
Evidently the HP Restore Image does not provide generic drivers for the
new MB so the system hangs at just before it get to the login screen.

Is there any way to make this work?

If not will HP allow me to get a copy of Vista Home Premium , I have the
Product code and all, and I am the legal registered owner.

Hope there is a workaround.

PS: I do have a copy of a Vista Business CD Install disk I could use, but
I want to use the Home premium edition that came with the HP computer.

Any Ideas much appreciated..

Phil

Phil,

You are basically caught in the trap of OEM licensed operating systems. The
License for Windows Vista HP supplied with the PC is licensed for use only
on that PC and as such is not transferable and effectively lives and dies
with the PC, so if you PC burst into flames you loose the PC and the
license to use the supplied Windows Vista.
So the problem you face is the definition of what actually constitutes a PC
so if you upgrade your HP supplied PC at which point is it no longer the HP
PC but an HP case with other bits in it and thus the license for the OEM
supplied Windows Vista is no longer valid?
Unfortunately the most common held understanding is that the mother board is
considered the final deal breaker in that you can replace the hard drive,
memory etc and even various add-in cads such as graphics etc but if you
replace the motherboard then you no longer have the PC you are licensed for
(yes you can replace with the same part as a repair - but the OEMs have to
draw the line somewhere).
So the bad news is you are probably no longer licensed for your OEM supplied
OS , and you should just go out and purchase a new one, then reinstall.

 

[Gordon]

Borrow a copy of the Vista installation disk.

Must it be an OEM copy, or is there a "generic" Vista installation disk that
all versions are installed from, the exact version being dependent on the
Key?

 

[Mike Brannigan]

Gordon,

Before you go any further I would recommend you read the responses from
Richard and myself, you may very well not be licensed at all to continue to
use Windows Vista on that machine.

 

[Gordon]

Gordon,

Before you go any further I would recommend you read the responses from
Richard and myself, you may very well not be licensed at all to continue
to use Windows Vista on that machine.

Err why are you replying to me?
(Same name as the OP different email......)

 

[cdlaney]

Hi Phil
I'm afraid technically i cant help! But are you aware that HP have
produced around 60 models with faulty motherboard's and they are being
replaced under an Extended warranty programme. I,ve just had mine replaced on
a "slimline" i purchased early 2007. the programme runs till end 2009. If
your model is on the list you should be able to get a refund for the work you
have carried out! all the required info is on the HP website. Best of luck!

 

[xfile]

The short answer is, "No".

The short answer is, "No".

Both you and Mike Brannigan are either slower learners or deliberate liars
or both.

This subject has been discussed and corrected so many times (since XP days)
and even Microsoft has clarified for Vista, but still, you two keep giving
false information whenever this subject is brought up.

See the following link:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/quick-start/activation-faq.aspx

What hardware changes may require re-activation?

Quote:

If you acquired Windows Vista pre-installed on a computer from a major
manufacturer (sometimes referred to as an Original Equipment Manufacturer or
OEM), Windows Vista will require re-activation if you replace the
motherboard with a motherboard not provided by the OEM.

End Quote.

What's wrong with you two?

 

[Musicman50]

Thanks Everyone for their kind support. This is amazing so many people here
willing to help

I have good news CDLaney is correct, HP will actually replace my bad Mobo
even though the build date is 2007 and its out of warranty.

I have the HP slimline 3120n computer (Build Date 2007), and yes I just
found out its covered under an extended warranty until end of this year.
I guess HP had so many of these go bad just out of warranty they extended
the warranty to replace end keep their excellent reputation.
HP indeed will send me a box to ship the whole computer back to them and
they will replace the Mobo at no charge.

I guess I had hoped I could use the new Mobo and get around having to ship
it back and be without it for who knows (Weeks, months??)
Does anyone have experience on the turn around time at HP to replace a bad
Mobo?


I really wanted to use the new MoBo because it supports DVI/HDMI and the old
one does not (Just analog VGA)..
I wanted it to hook up to my 40inch HDTV and use it for a DVR.
The HP computer even has a Digital TV tuner, and the full compliment of
Windows Media with remote and all.
I guess I need to put every back together, A bit of a daunting task, as this
little computer is packed in a very little Case.

Thanks again everyone for your help..

I have another question, but I will post it on another thread..

Phil

 

[cdlaney]

Good to hear Phil. My service from HP was second to none, 3 working days even
replaced the powerpack i blew trying to fix it myself. Hate to stick up for
the big boys but you must speak as you find. All the best